The associations have previously partnered to host events and advertise job openings, and they share some business interests.

“Many of the issues mold makers and the parts makers deal with — the cost of power, labor issues, skill shortages, environmental concerns — they are all very common concerns,” APMA President Steve Rodgers said in a phone interview June 25. “And so consequently if we can have a bigger voice by virtue of having more members overall, that is definitely an advantage going forward.”

Headquartered in Windsor, Ontario, CAMM comprises mold makers, designers, manufacturers and suppliers and services companies across Canada. Toronto’s APMA represents producers of parts, equipment, tools, supplies and services for the automotive industry. Post-merger the organization would be governed by a common board, while still retaining many of each association’s existing functions.

“We don’t want either organization to lose the identity, or the good things they have been doing, but by combining it together we want to try to maximize the benefits overall,” Rodgers said.

The potential merger will be formally voted on in October and would be effective Jan. 1.